A Very Special Letter

On By Baydreamer - Lauren ScottIn Celebrations, Letters

March 25, 2021

Dear Mom and Dad,

Guess what? Your baby girl turned 60! Can you believe it? 60 doesn’t feel different, but it sure has a more profound ring to it than 40 and 50 did. I suppose then it does feel different. It’s Thursday, and Matthew, Michael, and I took the day off. They surprised me with an adventure – a relaxing drive surrounded by lush rolling green hills, cows grazing, majestic redwoods, and the crashing waves and beauty of the Pacific. I loved sitting in the back of the Pilot, chauffeured, enjoying the gorgeous scenery. The weather couldn’t have been better – sun shining in all its glory and the sky blue as ever.

Lunch was enjoyed outdoors encircled by those redwoods. I splurged on a patty melt and thought of you, Dad. How you loved your patty melts and chocolate malts! Well, I skipped the malt and indulged in Chardonnay!

We stopped in Bodega Bay to browse a little, then we resumed on Highway 1 driving along the coast heading for home. A fabulous all-day adventure that continued into the evening with champagne and more surprises. Family and friends in TN. and So. Cal. celebrated via Facetime, phone calls, and text messages.

I’m sure you’re aware of the pandemic that has stricken the world for over a year now. Well, Matt and Michael wanted to throw a big party, but even though things have improved, a large gathering just wasn’t a good option this year. But for my second Covid birthday and this big milestone, my entire family and circle of friends made the day as special as perfection.

In the big picture, we’re all healthy and doing fine, so please don’t worry about us. I wish you had been here to join in the celebration, to enjoy some bubbly and that sinfully delicious carrot cake that a friend made for me – you know carrot cake’s my favorite and how it counts as a vegetable in my kitchen.

I just want you to know how much I miss you, how much we all miss you. And I knew you’d enjoy some snippets from my 60th. Mom, it’s okay to let those tears fall, and Dad, I can see you smiling. I know you’re happy to hear your family is ok! I’ll end this now before it becomes a novel, and before I liberate those tears, too.

Love you so much, Lauren (your baby girl) xoxo

“Age is not important unless you’re a cheese.“

I am still young at heart and happy to be alive!

And I am grateful for all of you! ❤️🎂🥂

65 thoughts on “A Very Special Letter”

  7. Happy Birthday Lauren. Sounds like you had a great day. I love your thoughts to your mum and dad and can totally understand what you must feel to be reaching a milestone but to miss those who you wish could have shared it with you. Im quite sure they would be very proud. xx

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    1. Thanks for your wishes and lovely comment, Alison. You said it perfectly. It was surreal reaching this big day, but not having my parents around to share in the celebration. ❤️

      Reply

  11. Happy bday, Lauren. You are hugely fortunate to be able to address your parents even at the beginning of the sixth decade of your life. I lost mine in my forty and fifty-fourth years respectively. Enjoy your time with your family and parents.

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    1. Thanks so much, Raj. I wrote this letter to my parents because I missed them. Mom passed in 2012 and Dad passed in 2017. I was 51 & 56. It was surreal hitting this milestone and not having them here to join in the clinking of glasses. So, I decided to write them a letter. Not sure if it’s strange or not, but something I felt in my heart to do. I’m sorry about your parents. When both of them are gone, the finality is vivid, and the loss leaves a truly empty feeling. Well, this describes how I felt…Anyway, thank you, and take good care…

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  13. Happy Birthday, Lauren! You’re 60 years young and hopefully have many years of adventure ahead. This is a great time of life. A beautiful and heartfelt letter to your parents. I’m glad you had a beautiful celebration. Enjoy your next decade! ❤

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    1. Thanks for your lovely words and wishes, Diana. I certainly hope I have many, many years of adventure ahead. 🙂 My hubby and I are already planning a backpacking trip for July on the PCT. 🥾
      And thank you about the letter. My heart said to write it…thanks again and have a great week! ❤️🎂🥂

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  14. A very Happy Birthday to you, Lauren and what a special day planned by your family! When people start moaning about the birthday ages, I just say it is a blessing to be alive! As for carrot cake, yummy and always counts as one of the five daily veg! Wishing you a wonderful year ahead and may the next birthday be one in a world without restrictions! hugs xx 😀❤️ By the way I am touched deeply by your heartwarming letter to your parents – a beautiful way to connect with them, your shared memories. bless. xx

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    1. Aww, thanks, Annika, for such a beautiful comment. I agree with you about just being happy to be alive! So, I’m embracing this big 60 with verve! 🙂 And carrot cake is my utmost fave and will always be a veggie in my kitchen! And thank you for your touching words about my letter missing Mom and Dad. Life is surreal, isn’t it? Big hugs to you, dear friend, and have a wonderful day. 💗💗

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  16. That was such a precious celebration, my dearest Lauren! What a beautiful number 60 is and that letter to your parents is so moving! More hugs, more love and more good wishes for your very special celebration! ❤️🤗✨🥂💐⭐️❤️

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Marina, for your beautiful words and wishes. It’s been a wonderful and fun last 3 days and I wish it could continue. 🙂 Big hugs to you and Cheers to the month of March for both of us! ❤️😍🌻🎂🥂🦋

      Reply
  19. Jane Sturgeon

    Happy Birthday, lovely Lauren and I am joining with your loved ones and everyone here in wishing you a wonderful time with many happy returns. I loved your special letter. ❤ Xxx ❤ ❤

    Reply

    1. Thanks for your lovely words and wishes, Jane. I’d love to press rewind then play again, but back to work today. 🙂 I’m glad you loved the letter, too. My heart said to write it, missing Mom and Dad on my big day. Hugs to you, dear friend. ❤️❤️❤️

      Reply

  20. Sounds like you had a marvelous birthday, Lauren. Wasn’t it cathartic, writing this letter to your parents? You and i are both March babies. This was the first year my mom was not alive for mine, but as you say, we’ve had two March birthdays now with no fanfare. A walk with our family is perfect though in so many ways. 60 is the new 40 anyway, right? xo

    Reply

    1. It was fabulous, honestly, Pam. Short of having a big party, it was great and I really don’t want to go back to work today after the festivities and 4-day weekend. LOL
      Yes, it was cathartic writing the letter and I wasn’t sure if posting it would be good, but I think it’s turned out okay as others have understood the deeper meaning. Sorry about you missing your mom, too. It’s not easy…And Happy belated birthday! When was your special day?
      Right now, I feel 40, I agree with you! 🙂 💗🎂🥂

      Reply

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